Walk a wilder path

Do you want to contribute to the preservation and protection of our natural world? If you’ve ever considered a career in conservation, this six- or twelve-month course is the perfect place to start, as it gives you a fast, hands-on route into the world of conservation.

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This course is perfect for you if you:

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• Want to take the first step in starting your conservation career – no prior academic experience (including matric!) or certifications required! 

• Have a conservation or related degree, and need to gain practical, hands-on experience to get your foot into the industry and start working with wildlife.

• Have just finished school or university and are looking for a meaningful gap year to build experience, confidence, and earn qualifications while having the time of your life doing it.

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Over six months of practical and immersive training, you’ll spend two months training to become a qualified safari guide, two months learning wildlife marketing for conservation, and two months exploring practical conservation management – discovering how storytelling, ecology, and field research can support conservation efforts within the tourism industry.

 

You’ll learn from experts with real-world experience, gain practical, hands-on skills, and deepen your understanding of both wildlife and habitat preservation, all of which help prepare you for real jobs in the conservation industry.

 

If you choose the twelve-month option, you’ll then have the chance to do a six-month work placement with one of our conservation partners in South Africa or abroad (such as Costa Rica, Madagascar, or Seychelles). You’ll take everything you’ve learned and put it into practice — gaining real, hands-on experience in the field. Along the way, you’ll start building your professional network and a portfolio of work, connecting with mentors and industry contacts who can help you land that first job in conservation. It’s your chance to make a real impact on wildlife and habitats while setting yourself up for a future career.

 

For those who meet the eligibility criteria, we also offer an employment guarantee within 12 months of completing your course. Beyond that, you’ll have access to our dedicated career support team, who’ll help you polish your CV, prepare for interviews, and connect with trusted conservation employers around the world. Whether you’re looking for your first job or planning your next step, we’ll guide you through every stage of your conservation career journey.

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Course overview

Over 6 or 12 months in the African bush, you’ll develop into a well-rounded conservation professional. You’ll learn about all aspects of conservation while observing incredible wildlife in their natural habitats, and get the practical experience needed to start a successful conservation career. Along the way, you’ll explore how marketing and communication can support conservation efforts, get insight into the day-to-day workings of wildlife reserves, and build job-ready skills for a successful conservation career.

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And the best part is that you don’t need any academic certifications to join this course! 

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Here’s how the course is structured:

• Field Guiding: Kick things off in Big Five territory with our award-winning instructors. You’ll go on game drives, learn tracking, animal behaviour, and hospitality skills, and earn your CATHSSETA Nature Site Guide (NQF2) qualification plus other key field certifications. 

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• Wildlife Marketing: Next, dive into wildlife marketing and communication. You’ll explore ethical conservation marketing, digital photography, wildlife videography and narrative, and more – all designed to help conservation projects and lodge operations thrive. 

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• Conservation Management: Dive into the practical side of conservation. Learn the fundamentals of Southern African ecology, population management, human-wildlife conflict, major conservation threats, field research techniques, and conservation communication, seeing firsthand how projects are planned and implemented.

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When choosing the 12-month course, you’ll head off to a six-month work placement after you’ve completed 6 months of training. It’s your chance to put everything you’ve learned into practice, gain real-world experience, build your network, and graduate with a solid combination of practical skills, recognised qualifications, and a competitive edge for your future career.
 

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Why study with Bushwise?

Driven by conservation: Bushwise was founded by a passionate conservationist to meet the need for professionals who protect natural environments ethically. Since 2006, we’ve been training graduates to excel in diverse conservation roles. With a curriculum covering topics such as conservation and African wildlife, you’ll graduate equipped to pursue a career in wildlife conservation management.

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